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Panic

Panic attacks are periods of intense fear that occur suddenly, when there seems to be nothing obviously threatening to the sufferer. When the attack comes, it feels as if there is very real danger and the body’s reaction is intense.

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

Sweating

Shortness of breath

Rapid or pounding heart beat

Chest pain

Feeling unsteady

Choking or smothering sensations

Numbness or tingling

Chills or hot flashes

Faintness

Trembling or shaking

Nausea or abdominal pains

Feeling unreal or disconnected

Fear of losing control, “going crazy”, or dying

If a person has four or more of these symptoms and they occur more than once, the experience may be classified as a panic attack. These symptoms may lead one to seek medical care. However, if told that the problem is psychological, or there is nothing medically wrong, symptoms can escalate and become more disruptive unless treatment is sought. Persons may become fearful of further attacks and become isolated, may begin to avoid activities that seem to trigger panic, and eventually may become unwilling to venture away from home.